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KOLKATA: Scotland made a powerful statement in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a resounding 73-run victory over debutants Italy at Eden Gardens on Monday. The win, Scotland’s first of the tournament, was powered by an all-round performance spearheaded by Michael Leask.

Electing to bat first, Scotland posted a formidable total of 207 runs, thanks to a commanding opening partnership between George Munsey and Michael Jones. The pair laid the foundation with an aggressive approach, taking the Italian bowlers to task. Munsey played a brilliant knock of 84 off 54 balls, marking his 14th T20I half-century, while Jones contributed a steady 37 off 30 deliveries. Their 126-run stand in just over 14 overs put Scotland in a strong position.

After the dismissal of Jones by JJ Smuts, Scotland faced brief resistance, but Brandon McMullen and Richie Berrington accelerated the innings with some aggressive stroke play. McMullen remained unbeaten on 41 off 18 balls, hitting four towering sixes, while Berrington added 15 runs before being dismissed. Michael Leask finished the innings in style, smashing 22 off only five balls, including two fours and two sixes, helping Scotland cross the 200-run mark.

In response, Italy struggled to chase down the imposing target. The Scottish bowlers maintained relentless pressure, with Michael Leask producing a match-winning spell of 4 for 17 in his four overs. Mark Watt supported with two crucial wickets, while Brad Currie, Brad Wheal, and Oliver Davidson picked up one wicket each, leaving the Italian lineup reeling.

Despite some resistance from Ben Manenti, who top-scored with a fighting 52 off 31 balls, Italy’s innings faltered. Harry Manenti contributed a quick 37 from 25 deliveries, including three sixes, and JJ Smuts added 22 off just 11 balls. Anthony Mosca managed 11 runs, but the remainder of the batting order failed to make an impact. Skipper Wayne Madsen was forced to sit out after sustaining a shoulder injury, leaving Italy short-handed.

Scotland’s comprehensive performance highlighted their batting depth and bowling efficiency, providing a strong morale boost ahead of the tournament. The victory not only secures their first points in T20 World Cup 2026 but also demonstrates the team’s potential to compete with higher-ranked opponents.

With this win, Scotland now looks forward to their upcoming fixtures with confidence, aiming to build momentum and solidify their standing in the tournament. Italy, meanwhile, will have to regroup quickly and address both batting and bowling shortcomings if they are to make a mark in their maiden T20 World Cup campaign.

Read More: Italy Captain Madsen Out vs Scotland – T20 WC 2026

KOLKATA: Italy faced a significant blow in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign as captain Wayne Madsen was forced to leave the field during their opening match against Scotland at Eden Gardens on Monday due to a shoulder injury.

The setback came in Italy’s debut appearance at a T20 World Cup. During the fourth over of Scotland’s innings, Madsen, stationed at midwicket, dived to stop a forceful pull shot from George Munsey. Unfortunately, he landed awkwardly on the practice pitches, dislocating his shoulder in the process.

Medical staff rushed to assist Madsen, who was immediately supported with a makeshift sling and taken for X-rays. The veteran batter, aged 42, is Italy’s most experienced player and is playing in his first T20 World Cup. Shoulder dislocations typically require a recovery period ranging from one to three weeks, though severe cases can extend for several months, leaving uncertainty over his participation in the remainder of the tournament.

In Madsen’s absence, all-rounder Harry Manenti stepped up as captain for the rest of Scotland’s innings. The Scots made the most of the disruption, posting a commanding total of 207-4 after being asked to bat first.

Italy now face a challenging path in the tournament. Their next fixtures include a match against Nepal in Mumbai on February 12, followed by encounters with England on February 16 and the West Indies on February 19, both in Kolkata. The team will need to regroup quickly and adapt to the leadership change as they aim to stay competitive in the group stages.

Madsen’s injury is a significant loss not only for his leadership on the field but also for Italy’s batting lineup. As the squad prepares for the upcoming matches, all eyes will be on Manenti to guide the team and on the medical team to determine Madsen’s recovery timeline.

Italy’s T20 World Cup debut had promised excitement, and this unexpected injury adds a new layer of challenge for the squad. Fans will be eagerly watching whether Madsen can return and lead the team in what is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive tournament.

Read More: Dale Steyn Praises Nepal After T20 World Cup Thriller

MUMBAI: Former South African fast-bowling legend Dale Steyn has applauded the Nepal cricket team for their fearless display and even extended an offer to assist them following their remarkable performance against England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday.

Nepal came agonizingly close to pulling off a monumental upset, finishing their chase at 180-6 while pursuing England’s challenging 185-run target, falling short by just five runs. Their spirited effort highlighted Nepal’s rising stature on the international cricket stage and earned widespread admiration.

Taking to social media platform X, Steyn expressed his admiration, stating, “Nepal, I offer my services to you if you ever need ’em! Up, up and UP.” His comments underscored the growing respect for Nepal’s cricketing grit.

Nepal started their chase with aggressive intent as openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh laid a strong foundation with a 37-run opening stand. Sheikh was dismissed for 7, while Bhurtel carried on with a quickfire 29 from 17 balls, including four boundaries and a six, before being bowled out at 42-2.

Captain Rohit Paudel then joined forces with Dipendra Singh Airee to rebuild the innings, contributing a vital 82-run partnership in 54 balls. Airee was the main aggressor, scoring a fluent 44 from 29 deliveries, featuring six boundaries and a six, before Sam Curran broke the stand. Paudel soon followed with a composed 39 from 34 balls, leaving Nepal at 126-4 in the 16th over.

Nepal’s momentum was briefly stalled when Aarif Sheikh was dismissed for 10, but Lokesh Bam counter-attacked brilliantly to revive the chase. With 24 runs required from the last two overs, Mark Wood conceded 14 but managed to remove Gulsan Jha, leaving Nepal needing 10 off the final over.

Curran held his nerve under pressure, conceding just five runs to secure a narrow victory for England. Bam remained unbeaten with an explosive 39 from 20 balls, featuring four boundaries and two sixes, bringing Nepal tantalizingly close to a historic triumph.

The match demonstrated Nepal’s fearless approach and ability to challenge top-tier teams, earning plaudits from fans and cricketing legends alike. Steyn’s offer to assist the emerging side reflects the growing recognition of Nepal’s cricketing potential and promises an exciting future for the team in global tournaments.

Nepal’s performance, though falling just short, will be remembered as one of the most spirited efforts in this edition of the T20 World Cup, signaling that they are a team capable of competing with the best.

Read More: Markram Confident After Test Glory Ahead of T20 WC

AHMEDABAD: South Africa captain Aiden Markram believes his side’s recent success in Test cricket has laid a strong foundation for their T20 World Cup campaign, as the Proteas enter the global tournament with renewed confidence and a refreshed mindset.

South Africa, who finished runners-up in the 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup, will kick off their 2026 campaign against Canada on Monday at the Narendra Modi Stadium — the world’s largest cricket venue. The expanded 20-team tournament presents fresh challenges, but Markram insists his squad is mentally stronger than ever.

The Proteas’ confidence stems largely from their historic triumph in the World Test Championship final in June 2025, where they defeated Australia to claim their first major ICC title. That victory helped South Africa finally shed their long-standing “chokers” label and changed the narrative surrounding the team in major tournaments.

Pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada recently highlighted the shift in how South Africa is now perceived globally, and Markram echoed those sentiments, admitting that the psychological burden has significantly eased within the squad.

“I’m not very active on social media, unlike KG,” Markram said with a smile during a media interaction. “But you can definitely feel the difference within the group — the belief, the confidence, and that sense of relief after winning a big ICC title.”

He added that while the World Test Championship success has boosted morale, it does not guarantee an easy path in the T20 World Cup.

“The trophy gave us belief, no doubt, but we’re not coming here thinking things will be simple,” Markram said. “We still need to play our best cricket every single game.”

South Africa endured heartbreak in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, where they fell just seven runs short against India despite needing only 30 runs from the final five overs. That narrow defeat remains fresh in memory and continues to drive the squad.

Placed in Group D, the Proteas will face New Zealand, Afghanistan, United Arab Emirates, and Canada — a mix of established sides and emerging teams. Markram acknowledged that playing Associate nations can be particularly tricky in the shortest format.

“The gap between Associate teams and full-member nations has narrowed a lot,” he said. “In T20 cricket, all it takes is one or two players to have an exceptional day for an upset to happen.”

The opening matches of the tournament have already underlined that unpredictability. Pakistan narrowly escaped against the Netherlands, while defending champions India found themselves struggling at 77 for six before eventually overcoming the United States.

With lessons learned, belief restored, and confidence strengthened by Test success, South Africa enter the T20 World Cup determined to turn promise into silverware — and finally complete their redemption arc on the global stage.

Read More: ICC, PCB Hold Talks to Revive India-Pakistan T20 Clash

COLOMBO: A composed half-century from Kusal Mendis, combined with a dominant spin display by Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, guided Sri Lanka to a 20-run victory over Ireland in the fifth match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday.

Defending a competitive total of 163, Sri Lanka’s bowlers delivered a disciplined effort to bowl Ireland out for 143 in 19.5 overs, despite a brief middle-order resistance.

Ireland’s chase began cautiously, with the openers adding 24 runs inside the first four overs. However, the momentum was halted early when experienced opener Paul Stirling fell for six, triggering pressure on the Irish batting unit.

Harry Tector and Ross Adair attempted to rebuild the innings with a steady partnership, taking Ireland to 56 for one after eight overs. Adair looked fluent during his knock but was dismissed for 34, leaving Ireland needing stability once again.

The responsibility then fell on Tector and wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker, who stitched together a valuable 49-run stand. Their partnership kept Ireland in contention as the score crossed 100 in the 15th over, raising hopes of a late surge.

Just as the chase appeared to gain momentum, Sri Lanka’s spinners struck decisively. Theekshana and Hasaranga applied relentless pressure, forcing mistimed shots and regular breakthroughs. Ireland lost wickets in quick succession, failing to sustain partnerships in the closing stages.

Tector remained Ireland’s highest scorer with a patient 40 off 34 deliveries, though his innings lacked boundary support. Ireland were eventually dismissed short of the target, unable to complete their full quota of overs.

Theekshana and Hasaranga were the standout performers with the ball, combining for six wickets and effectively shutting down Ireland’s scoring options during the middle overs.

Earlier, Sri Lanka showed resilience after being put in to bat first. Openers provided a steady start before Kamil Mishara was dismissed for 14, followed by a cautious partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis.

Ireland’s bowlers maintained tight lines and were rewarded as Sri Lanka slipped to 68 for three midway through the innings. Despite the pressure, Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with maturity, finding gaps and rotating the strike effectively.

A crucial turning point came through a blistering partnership between Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis. Capitalizing on missed chances by Ireland, the duo added 67 runs at a rapid pace, swinging the momentum firmly in Sri Lanka’s favor.

Kusal Mendis remained unbeaten on 56 from 43 balls, striking five boundaries, while Kamindu Mendis played a game-changing cameo of 44 off just 19 deliveries, including two sixes and four fours.

Ireland’s bowling effort was led by George Dockrell and Barry McCarthy, who claimed two wickets each, but lapses in the field proved costly.

The win strengthens Sri Lanka’s position in the tournament and highlights their depth in both spin bowling and middle-order batting as the T20 World Cup gathers momentum.

Read More: Afghanistan: Gulbadin Naib Hits 1,000 T20I Runs

LAHORE: Senior officials from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are holding crucial discussions in Lahore on Sunday in a renewed effort to revive the highly anticipated Pakistan-India clash in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Sources familiar with the matter say the ongoing talks could play a decisive role not only in determining the fate of the marquee encounter but also in shaping how politically sensitive fixtures are managed in future global tournaments. The match, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, remains uncertain following directives issued by the Government of Pakistan advising its team not to take the field against India.

The ICC delegation, led by Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja, arrived in Lahore on Sunday evening. According to insiders, Khwaja has been entrusted with the responsibility of engaging PCB leadership in constructive dialogue, with the ICC keen to find middle ground that allows the tournament’s most lucrative fixture to go ahead as planned.

The governing body is reportedly concerned about the broader implications of a Pakistan-India no-show, given the commercial, competitive, and global interest attached to the rivalry. Broadcasters, sponsors, and fans worldwide consider the clash a cornerstone of ICC events.

In parallel, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has also appealed to the PCB to reconsider its position. Sources indicate the ECB has emphasized the long-term interests of international cricket, urging stakeholders to prevent politics from overshadowing the tournament’s integrity and global appeal.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam Bulbul held a separate meeting with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. During the discussion, Aminul Islam expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s support of Bangladesh’s stance during the recent World Cup-related dispute involving India. PCB Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer and advisor Amir Mir were also present at the meeting.

The current situation stems from a series of politically driven decisions that have already disrupted the tournament’s structure. Bangladesh had earlier declined to play matches in India due to security concerns, a move that resulted in Scotland replacing them in the competition. This development further intensified tensions among participating nations.

Following these events, the Pakistan government instructed its national side to withdraw from the high-profile Group A fixture against co-hosts India. The decision has cast a shadow over the tournament, which features 20 teams and was expected to be one of the most competitive editions in recent history.

Pakistan began their campaign on a positive note with a victory over the Netherlands on February 7. However, forfeiting the India match would see them lose two crucial points and suffer a major setback to their net run rate, significantly denting their chances of progressing further in the competition.

As talks continue, cricketing authorities and fans alike await clarity, hoping diplomacy prevails to ensure the iconic rivalry returns to the world stage.

Read More: Afghanistan: Gulbadin Naib Hits 1,000 T20I Runs

GHENNAI: Afghanistan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib achieved a remarkable milestone on Sunday, scoring his 1,000th run in men’s T20 internationals during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 opener against New Zealand at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

The 34-year-old accomplished this feat in the eighth over of Afghanistan’s innings, reaching the landmark with a well-timed push for his seventh run of the match. This made Naib the ninth Afghan batter to cross the 1,000-run mark in T20Is, solidifying his place among the nation’s cricketing elite.

Naib’s journey in T20 cricket has been one of consistency and resilience. Known for his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, he has often played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s middle order. Over the years, Naib has developed into a reliable performer, capable of turning matches with crucial innings under pressure.

This milestone places Naib alongside some of Afghanistan’s top T20 run-scorers, including Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Ibrahim Zadran. His achievement highlights not only his personal excellence but also the growth of Afghanistan as a competitive T20 side on the global stage.

Fans and cricket analysts praised Naib’s accomplishment, noting that reaching 1,000 T20I runs is a testament to his perseverance and skill in the shortest format of the game. Despite facing some of the best bowlers in the world, Naib has consistently showcased his adaptability, combining technical proficiency with aggressive stroke play.

During Sunday’s match, Afghanistan looked to build momentum after a challenging start against the formidable New Zealand lineup. Naib’s innings played a stabilizing role, allowing the team to post competitive runs and keep their hopes alive in the opening fixture of the T20 World Cup.

Over the course of his T20I career, Naib has amassed runs across various conditions and against top international teams. His experience has become invaluable for the Afghan squad, particularly in high-pressure tournaments like the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Teammates often rely on his composure and leadership during crunch situations, making him a central figure in the team’s strategy.

As Afghanistan continues its campaign in the 2026 T20 World Cup, Naib’s milestone will serve as a source of inspiration for younger players and fans alike. It underscores the progress of Afghan cricket, which has steadily risen in prominence since the nation earned its T20I status.

Naib’s achievement also emphasizes the importance of consistency and adaptability in T20 cricket. While explosive batting often grabs headlines, milestones like reaching 1,000 runs reflect sustained contributions over time—a hallmark of true cricketing excellence.

With several key matches ahead in the tournament, fans will watch closely to see if Naib can add to his tally and help Afghanistan advance further in the competition. His journey serves as a reminder that dedication, skill, and perseverance can create memorable moments in international cricket.

Afghanistan batter with 1000-plus runs in men’s T20Is

Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 2166 runs

Mohammad Shahzad – 2048 runs

Najibullah Zadran – 1830 runs

Ibrahim Zadran – 1705 runs

Asghar Afghan – 1382 runs

Hazratullah Zazai – 1160 runs

Samiullah Shinwari – 1013 runs

Gulbadin Naib – 1000 runs

Naib crowned the milestone with a commanding performance, top-scoring with a fluent 63 off 35 deliveries, laced with four fours and three sixes. His knock proved pivotal as Afghanistan posted a competitive 182/6 against New Zealand.

Apart from Naib, Sediqullah Atal contributed 29, Rahmanullah Gurbaz made 27, and Darwish Rasooli added a quick 20, helping Afghanistan build a strong total in their tournament opener.

Read More: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Afghanistan Wins Toss vs New Zealand

CHENNAI – Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first against New Zealand in the fourth match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.

Captain Rashid Khan made the decision to set a target on what is expected to be a high-scoring pitch, aiming to put pressure on the visiting side early in the tournament. Afghanistan’s batting lineup, featuring stars like Mohammad Nabi and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, will look to capitalize on the favorable conditions to post a competitive total.

New Zealand, known for their balanced squad and strong bowling attack, will have to respond strategically to chase down Afghanistan’s runs. The Kiwis will rely on experienced players such as Kane Williamson and Trent Boult to handle the pressure and build a solid innings.

The match is attracting significant attention from fans and analysts alike, as both teams have shown impressive form in T20 competitions leading up to the World Cup. Cricket enthusiasts are keen to see how Afghanistan’s young talents perform on a global stage against a top-ranked team like New Zealand.

With the toss favoring Afghanistan, the opening session promises exciting cricket and potential match-defining moments. Fans can expect aggressive batting, sharp fielding, and strategic bowling battles throughout the contest.

Read More: PCB Rejects Reports of Contacting ICC Over India T20 World Cup Match

LAHORE – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has strongly refuted claims circulating in Indian media that it contacted the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding a refusal to play its group-stage T20 World Cup match against India scheduled for February 15, 2026.

Amir Mir, the PCB’s official spokesperson, clarified that the board has not made any such communication with the ICC. “We reject the false claims made by Indian journalist Vikrant Gupta,” Mir said, emphasizing that the reports are misleading.

Mir further criticized certain sections of the Indian media for spreading misinformation. “As usual, portions of the Indian press are busy circulating fiction. A little patience will soon reveal who actually reached out and who did not,” he added.

The controversy emerged after Indian sports journalist Vikrant Gupta claimed that the PCB had initiated dialogue with the ICC to resolve the ongoing World Cup issue. Gupta’s post on X suggested that the PCB allegedly first indicated a withdrawal from the India match, citing ‘Force Majeure’ conditions and linking it to a tweet from the Pakistani government. According to Gupta, the ICC responded by seeking clarification on the legal and procedural aspects of the so-called Force Majeure claim. He further wrote that the PCB had now approached the ICC to “resolve” the matter.

However, PCB officials have dismissed these assertions, clarifying that no formal approach has been made to the ICC regarding the India match. The board insists that reports claiming otherwise are completely unfounded.

This dispute comes after a statement issued by the Government of Pakistan on its official X account last week. The government confirmed permission for the national team to participate in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in Sri Lanka but explicitly instructed that the team “shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India.” The government’s statement did not provide a detailed reason for this decision, leaving room for speculation.

“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026. However, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India,” the post read.

Industry experts note that while the government has given clear instructions, the PCB has yet to formally notify the ICC regarding the decision not to play against India. This has fueled speculation and media narratives in India, which the PCB now seeks to correct.

The Pakistan Cricket Board continues to emphasize adherence to official protocols and insists that no premature communication has occurred with the ICC. PCB officials urge the media and cricket fans to wait for verified updates before drawing conclusions regarding the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash.

Read More: ICC Seeks Resolution for India-Pakistan T20 Clash